In a world where maritime ports are becoming increasingly pivotal as energy hubs, a recent study sheds light on how digital technologies are reshaping critical energy infrastructure (CEI) in these vital nodes of global trade. The research, led by Emmanuel Itodo Daniel from the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the University of Wolverhampton in the UK, explores the current state and future directions of digital transitions in maritime ports, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, which could be translated to English as “Journal of Marine Science and Engineering”.
The study, a scoping review, delves into the role of digital technologies like automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of port-based CEI. With ports increasingly integrating offshore renewables, hydrogen, and LNG systems, the digital transition is more critical than ever.
Daniel and his team found significant regional disparities in digital maturity, with Europe leading the pack, contributing to 53% of the publications, followed by Asia (24%) and North America (11%). Africa and Oceania, however, lag behind, accounting for only 3% of the publications. This disparity highlights the uneven global landscape of digital transformation in maritime ports.
The review also uncovered fragmented governance structures and underutilisation of digital systems, which are holding back the potential of smart port technologies. “While smart port technologies offer operational gains and support predictive maintenance, their effectiveness is constrained by siloed strategies, resistance to collaboration, and skill gaps,” Daniel noted.
The commercial impacts of these findings are substantial. Ports that successfully navigate the digital transition stand to gain significantly in terms of operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and overall sustainability. This could translate into considerable cost savings and improved competitiveness in the global market.
Moreover, the study highlights the need for holistic digital transformation frameworks and cross-border cooperation. Daniel emphasizes, “There’s a need for tailored approaches to address these challenges.” This presents an opportunity for maritime sectors to collaborate, share best practices, and drive innovation in digital technologies.
The review serves as a foundation for future empirical work and policy development, aiming to secure and optimise maritime port energy infrastructure in line with global sustainability targets. For maritime professionals, the message is clear: embracing digital transformation is not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about future-proofing port operations and staying ahead in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious world.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the insights from this study will be invaluable in guiding strategic decisions and investments in digital technologies. The journey towards smart, sustainable ports is underway, and the time to act is now.